8 Things to Do in Bocas del Toro Province That You Shouldn't Miss

March 14, 2018 Claudia Navarrete

An archipelago off the northwest coast of Panama, Bocas del Toro is an eco-tourism favorite with English-speaking and other tourists traveling to this Central American country. Seven islands (including Isla Colón, Isla Carenero and Isla Bastimentos) comprise the land area, with Bocas Town its regional capital and the “big city” for those looking to shop, dine well, and explore nightlife. Adventure lovers will find plenty to keep them occupied, as scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, surfing and hiking are first-rate. And if you’re more of a tour-goer, never fear—Bocas del Toro offers a host of them, ranging from sailing to Nivida Bat Cave tours.
Restaurants in Bocas del Toro Province

1. Finca Los Monos Botanical Garden

1/2 mile from Bocas Town | 200m past Smithsonian Institute, Isla Colon, Panama +507 757-9461
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 177 reviews

Finca Los Monos Botanical Garden

Finca Los Monos (the Monkey Farm) is situated on Isla Colon, the largest island in the enchanting archipelago of Bocas del Toro, , Panama. The Islands enjoy a steady temperature of between 80 and 93 degrees (27 C – 33 C) all year round, with adequate rainfall to keep them lush and humid. Over the years we have created a magnificent garden with large collections of heleconias, gingers, palms, flowering trees, fruit trees, spices and ornamentals. New plants are constantly being added to the property.

Reviewed By KelseaMike - Atx

I got married in Bocas and had my wedding from made from the Botanical Gardens. Lyn custom made my wedding flowers for me. They were absolutely amazing. Pink gingers. She was really nice and easy to work with and I was very happy with the...MoreIt was a pleasure to make your bouquet for you and thank you for sending me photos afterwards.

2. Isla Zapatillas

Panama
Excellent
71%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 479 reviews

Isla Zapatillas

Reviewed By AlexDegen98 - Bocas del Toro Province, Panama

This deserted island is probably what everyone is looking for when you talk about a beach with white sand and cristal clear water and reefs with tons of fishes - you definetely won't be disappointed if the wheather plays along! (which usually is the case)

3. Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos

Bocas Town, Isla Colon, Panama
Excellent
64%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 226 reviews

Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos

Reviewed By saap63 - Exeter, United Kingdom

My husband and our 10 year olds really loved this trip. I stayed at the entrance cos I don't like caves. They saw lots of wildlife as well as the bats and thought the cave was great. I had a lovely time Reading my book. The boat ride through the mangrove was amazing and we saw a sloth just a few feet away. Probably not for those who, like me, don't enjoy caves, but a hit for the cave hardy.

4. Playa Bluff

Bluff Road, Bluff Beach, Isla Colon, Panama
Excellent
56%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 349 reviews

Playa Bluff

Reviewed By André F - Madeira Islands, Portugal

15 km of pure happiness. Waves right left and center. What a great place to spend a day with your pals Surfing.

5. Starfish Beach

Bocas Town, Isla Colon, Panama
Excellent
50%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
5%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 923 reviews

Starfish Beach

Reviewed By EReidy

We brought snorkel equipment with us. While we found a few starfish by the shore - we found more than 20 within a few minutes of snorkeling (very close to shore.) From Bocas Town, we took a taxi (30 min) for the negotiated price (for 4) - $35 round trip (originally quoted $60). On our way to the beach, we stopped and took pictures of the Plastic Bottle Village project. The taxi drops you off at Drago Beach. We paid at drop off and received a bracelet for receipt/return 'ticket'. (We arrived at 11:00 am and were promptly picked up at the previously agreed 4:30) After a delightful 20 min walk (bring your camera, water shoes, and tweezers! - we each got superfine prickers on our feet) you arrive at Starfish beach. The beach is charmingly RUSTIC. Even though we brought bug spray - we still got sand fly bites but I wouldn't let a few bug bites keep you from this adventure. Remember: - leave nature alone, be a good beach citizen and just enjoy the starfish without feeling the need to touch or pick them up. (A beach vendor pointed out 2 sloths in the trees just behind the beach)

6. Boca del Drago

Bocas Town, Isla Colon, Panama
Excellent
42%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 346 reviews

Boca del Drago

Reviewed By izi f - Ljubljana, Slovenia

The beach is nice even there are many bars and plastic chairs around. But you can stop before them while walking from Boca del drago. We som around 15 star fish - Unfortuantely some were touched by unrespectable tourists. We were even fortunate to see some sloths from a close look!

7. Red Frog Beach

Isla Bastimentos, Panama
Excellent
43%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 742 reviews

Red Frog Beach

Reviewed By Eric A - Long Beach, California

This beach is crowded and felt "touristy" to me. The lounge chairs need to "rented" and the ocean was not swimmable as the undertow will overtake you. It felt more like Mexico than the Caribbean. Every hand was out wanting me to purchase something. We will skip this on our next trip and play out at Bluff Beach on Isla Colon. No crowds and a fee lounge chair for the price of a cocktail!

8. Dolphin Bay Preserve

Dolphin Bay, Bocas Town, Isla Colon, Panama +507 6915-1155
Excellent
36%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
6%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 538 reviews

Dolphin Bay Preserve

The Dolphin Bay Preserve EcoTour is unlike any other tour in Bocas del Toro!Go beyond dolphin viewing, jungle hiking, and snorkeling and experience nature like never before!This is your chance to taste the fruit of cacao fresh from the pod, get close enough to touch poison dart frogs, caimans and sea urchins, and learn about the rich socioeconomic and cultural history of Bocas del Toro. Itinerary:• 10:00 (flexible): Our guide picks you up at your hotel• 10:30: Arrive at Dolphin Bay for dolphin watching• 11:00: Arrive at Dolphin Bay Preserve and begin hike• 1:30: Locally prepared lunch • 2:00: Snorkeling• 3:00: Return to your hotel

Reviewed By Stewart F

Took a private tour to Dolphin Bay and some other places today. We saw probably six or seven different dolphins in about a twenty minute period. Very tranquil and nice. Great for kids and families. The dolphins were beautiful!!! We thoroughly enjoyed the visit to Dolphin Bay!!!

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